Sports and health enthusiasts are constantly throwing vitamin and mineral supplements down their necks but the issue of whether they are really required is a topic of considerable debate.

Vitamins and minerals, or micronutrients, are essential nutrients, as, broadly speaking, our bodies do not synthesise them, and so we have to obtain them from our food. Micronutrients regulate metabolism and assist in numerous physiological and biochemical functions. Insufficient intakes may lead to deficiency problems, and in extreme cases, even death. (more…)

Several years ago I attended a nutrition conference where one of the speakers informed us that there was, on average, a new weight loss dietary regimen released in the UK each week. In my profession, I’m still hearing flashy names of new diet fads each adopting a new revolutionary method of losing weight. You’ll have heard of the more popular ones that have suited a lot of people really well: Weight Watchers, Rosemary Conley, Slimming World, Atkins diet, etc; but there are many others not so well known. As well as these diet regimens, there are numerous generic meal plans on the internet compiled for people with particular goals. (more…)